The sleeveless jerseys worn by the Indomitable Lions at the African Nations Cup remain popular with the fans. Replicas of kit worn by Cameroon’s national team at the African Nations Cup is the supporters fashion item of choice. You cannot walk or drive through Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital, for five minutes without spotting someone in the jersey.
With the boom of the trade, many people have entered the kit-selling business.
Lireaussi
Lions’ shirts are sold in supermarkets, telephone booths, bars, and bookshops.
« On seeing my neighbours selling about 85 shirts within two weeks, I decided to try it. Today, I’m also making money!, » explained trader Guy Tsajio.
Meeting demand
After the Lions’ victory in Mali, the few shirts available in the local markets came from Asia but they could not meet the demands of the fans.
But there’s an influx of shirts from Europe and Asia, while some are locally produced.
« The white sleeveless shirt which comes from Dubai and Saudi Arabia, remains the hot cake. It’s scarce to find, » remarked Ahmadou Saïdou, a trade in Mokolo market.
« The youths are mad for it. They want to look sexy.
« Shirts with the names of Eto’o Fils, Mboma, Song, Etame, Njitap are frequently asked for. »
The price of the shirt, depending on the quality of its material, range from £6-16.
Some local teams are now attracted by the sleeveless design, with first division clubside Canon leading the way.
« When young players wear this shirt, we’re proud of Cameroon!, » said Christian Fouman.
We’re equally supporting the Lions, while striving to be like them. »
Fouman got a shirt, a pair of shorts and boots from Cameroon international Lauren Etame Mayer.
If only other fans could be as lucky…
By Mizuh Ignatius Mbah
BBC Sport Online, Yaounde
